This browser does not support the Video element.
Accused Sarasota murderer linked to double homicide
A man who investigators say killed four people in Sarasota is also linked to a double homicide in Fort Lauderdale, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. FOX 13's Kimberly Kuizon reports.
SARASOTA, Fla. - A man who investigators say killed four people in Sarasota is also linked to a double homicide in Fort Lauderdale, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.
What we know:
Investigators said shortly before 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, a neighbor called 911 and reported that a man had been shot at a home in the Amberlea neighborhood near Proctor and McIntosh Roads.
"I don’t know. I heard a loud boom earlier, and I thought somebody dropped something, and then I just walked outside and my neighbor Tony, is lying on the ground, his house is open and there’s blood all over his stomach," the unidentified neighbor said in a 911 call.
When deputies arrived, they found the neighbor performing CPR on a man in the front yard identified as the homeowner, 61-year-old Anatoly Loffe.
Deputies moved him to a different location and crews with the Sarasota County Fire Department took over. He was pronounced dead a short while later.
The neighbors told deputies that the man’s wife may be inside the home.
READ: Man convicted of killing a traveling salesman becomes first person executed in Florida this year
The deputies went inside the home because they said they feared for the victim’s wife and that’s where they found the bodies of two men and two women.
While trying to identify the victims and potential suspect, detectives said they got information from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department about a double homicide that they believed might be connected to the Sarasota quadruple murder.
Police gave SCSO the suspect, 51-year-old Russel Kot's vehicle information and said that it had been caught on camera traveling northbound through Punta Gorda before the Sarasota homicide.
Dig deeper:
Working with Amberlea HOA representatives and neighbors, detectives got video of the suspect’s vehicle entering the neighborhood at 11:01 a.m.
Moments later, investigators said that the sound of gunfire was captured on a neighbor’s Ring camera.
Less than 40 minutes later, the man who was found on the front lawn was seen entering the neighborhood in his vehicle, according to SCSO.
Deputies said Loffe went up to the door and was shot.
"There is blood everywhere. I don’t see any weapons," said the neighbor in the 911 call.
READ: Sex buying isn’t a game': Billboards target human trafficking demand during Daytona 500
Afterward, no people were seen entering or leaving the home.
According to investigators, all victims have been identified and the suspect, Kot, was among those who were found dead inside the home.
Deputies said Kot's vehicle was found inside the neighborhood.
"It makes you really think. I just feel bad for the families. I feel really bad," said Vanessa Epperson, who lives nearby.
According to investigators, the suspect had been in a previous romantic relationship with one of the victims in Fort Lauderdale and that victim was connected to the Sarasota County victims.
Who were the Sarasota shooting victims?
Detectives identified the Sarastoa shooting victims as:
- 49-year-old Olga Greinert
- 66-year-old Florita Stolyar
- 39-year-old Yaroslav Blyudoy
- 61-year-old Anatoly Loffe
Officials said the suspect is 51-year-old Russell Kot. Investigators said there is no known documented mental health crises or history of violence associated with him.
What we don't know:
The suspect’s motive for targeting the Sarasota victims is unknown.
What you can do:
Anyone with information is asked to call the Criminal Investigations Bureau at 941-861-4900.
If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to civilians and veterans. If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
The Source: This article was written with information provided by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office in a press release, 911 calls and interviews with neighbors.